Synopsis:The story takes place during the middle ages in Serbia. While estate owner Banović Strahinja is out hunting, a Turkish bandit Alija attacks his castle. The Turks kill all of his servants and kidnap his beloved Anđa. When he discovers what has happened, Strahinja gathers a posse of scoundrels and goes after the bandits. In the meantime, Alija tries to seduce Anđa, but she refuses him. Nevertheless, with the passage of time she begins to weaken…

Country of production:Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia (Socialist Republic of Croatia, Socialist Republic of Serbia)/Federative Republic of Germany (West Germany)

Screenplay:Aleksandar Petrović, Vatroslav Mimica

Music by:Alfi Kabiljo

Edited by:

Set designer:Milenko Jeremić

Costume designer:Emilija Kovačević

Commentary:This is another solid film by Vatroslav Mimica in the genre of (pseudo)historical films. The famous Serbian filmmaker Aleksandar Petrović based the screenplay on a Serbian folk song that exalts the nobility of love, which overcomes all social traditions. Mimica did a great job in recreating the atmosphere of the Byzantine middle ages, while Rade Šerbedžija’s outstanding portrayal of the “samurai” character, Abudalah, reveals the director’s fascination with Akira Kurosawa. Other parts of the film seem to anticipate Verhoeven’s Flesh and Blood. The weak point of this film is the flimsy love triangle, given the fact that Strahinja is simply not as charismatic as Alija.

Awards: Pula 1981 - Golden Arena to Dragan Nikolic for Best Male Actor, Golden Arena for Best Music Vrnjacka Banja 1981 - award for Best Screenplay Based On A Literary Work Nis 1981 - Diploma to Dragan Nikolic Venice 1981 - Special program